Get your butt in gear

Hey, paddler. So, you’ve dropped some serious coin on a kayak, a sleek piece crafted with heart. But let’s talk about where your behind meets The Art: the seat. Because if your tush isn’t happy, your paddle experience will be suffering. Let’s riff on how to make your kayak fit you – not some factory ideal of a perfectly rounded rump. (Not that manufacturers use ass-shaped dummies... or do they? You tell me!)

Foam or Fiberglass: What's your butt's best friend?

Foam seats are super customizable. You can carve 'em to hug your unique shape, which is a game-changer for bony sit bones or longer days. Fiberglass/plastic ones are durable and low-maintenance, and plenty of folks love 'em as-is. But if you're choosing a kayak mostly for its stock seat, is that a red flag? What's worked best for you – foam carving marathons or padding over a hard shell? Got a skinny ass that needs extra love, or do you fit the mold just fine? Share your wins (or horror stories). 

Seats: Getting seated below the waterline

Higher seats can feel comfy at first, but they often make the kayak tippier by raising your center of gravity. Try this experiment: yank the seat out (safely!) and paddle for a bit—does it feel more stable? Many say yes. But is the trade-off worth it for comfort, or do you progress faster trusting a lower, more connected setup? What about in choppy conditions—do you prioritize stability or that cushy height?

Backrests: Do you even need one?

Backrests are great for chilling, but if you're leaning hard on one while paddling, it might mess with your rotation and core engagement. Active posture – upright, core on – often feels better long-term, especially after a few decades, I am quoting a friend, of course :) That said, some paddlers swear by a minimal foam pad for support or no backrest at all getting in the way. Have you ditched yours and felt freer, or do you keep one for those all-day tours? If your back complains without it, is it the kayak... or time for more yoga/stretching? (Guilty here—it can take time, but is well worth it)

Sit bones and active paddling: Fix the ouch

Narrow hips and pointy sit bones? Long paddles can turn into a pain party. Customizing helps – carving relief for those bones, checking clearance for rolls (too close to the coaming = ouch on laybacks). But bodies differ wildly. What's your hack for hot spots? Velcro, pockets, or something wild?

Speaking of: foam ain't always easy to source or cheap. Pro tip: velcro or sewn pockets to keep pads from flying during swims or roof loads. Or be anal about your deck cover. Anyone beaten me to prototyping secure pockets to retain your elaborate foam setup? Drop your ideas! 

Paddle and Kayak: It’s all connected

Seat's key, but paddle choice and kayak width, among many parameters, play in too. Wider boat? Maybe a wider loom for efficient strokes. Low-angle style? Narrow blades or even Greenland sticks for all-day ease (less strain, quieter entry). High-angle? Somewhat wider blades for punch. Greenland paddles shine for some in comfort, but others stick with Euro for power, or at least the sensation of power. I know, this is a hot potato... What's your combo, and why? Breaking (Greenland) paddles often? Maybe you need a heavier paddle, or just better bracing technique? Wanna share your journey and findings? We're just scraping the top of the proverbial iceberg here.

Knees, Legs, and feeling the 'yak

Legs connect you to the boat – the ass bone is connected to the thigh bone...and so on as the song kind of goes. Thigh braces/hooks should feel snug but not crushing. Short legs? You may want extra padding up top. Long legs? Maybe thinner pads or wear neoprene to not bruise your knees. Measure keel-to-knee or rear rim clearance for fit clues. Experiment across kayaks – what numbers work for you? 

The Rebel Way: You Do You

No two precious rears, backs, legs, or styles are the same. Foam, fiberglass, backrest or none, high or low – listen to your body, tweak, ask around. Then rinse and repeat. The kayak that fits you best "in the shop" might not be the one you actually will love to paddle. What's your weirdest mod that worked? Still wobbling or wincing? Hit the comments, we'll nerd out together. Do some stretching regularly too; it's sneaky good. Never stop, right?

Now go paddle instead of reading about asses weirdo, but first, shout out a comment about yours!